03/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 3, 2026

2

‘China-Arab synergy tests strategic neutrality of M’sia’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

assessors have confirmed that the KL International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain system is operating as intended, with service disruptions observed since commissioning being those commonly encountered during the early operational phase of complex rail systems. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), in a statement yesterday, said the assessors found that the disruptions do not pose a safety risk as structured engineering controls and continuous monitoring are in place to manage the issues effectively. “During the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), which commenced on Nov 15 last year, aerotrain operations have remained stable, recording an operational service availability of 100% in December 2025, up from 98.67% in July 2025, reflecting high system availability while inspection, PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has confirmed localised pavement settlement conditions at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, emphasising that it is actively addressing the affected areas. Responding to queries from theSun , MAHB said geotechnical assessments of the affected areas were first conducted in 2015 and the settlement is linked to the site’s underlying soil conditions. An airport source had flagged the issue, claiming that some pavement sections appeared to be “floating” above what appeared to be depressed ground. MAHB stressed that the situation has been managed under a multi year maintenance programme, which includes constant monitoring, Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com SHAH ALAM: China’s growing footprint in the Middle East is set to test Malaysia’s foreign policy, energy security and long-held stance of strategic neutrality as the intensifying rivalry between global powers increasingly reverberates across Southeast Asia. Geopolitical analyst Nasaie Ismail told a recent talk that developments in the Middle East cannot be viewed in isolation, as they directly influence trade routes, energy flows and geopolitical stability – pillars that underpin the Malaysian economy. Speaking at a session titled “The Dragon’s New Silk Road: Decoding the Geopolitical and Economic Synergy of the China-Arab Axis” organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Master of Mass Communication students, Ismail said China’s engagement in the Middle East aligns closely with Malaysia’s long-standing diplomatic principles. “China’s emphasis on non interference, economic cooperation and long-term stability mirrors Malaysia’s own approach as a non aligned, trade-dependent country,” he said.

to review and declare their income before any enforcement action is taken,” the statement read. To avoid penalties and legal action under the Income Tax Act 1967, IRB advises Malaysian tax residents with unreported income and offshore financial accounts, from sources that should be taxed in Malaysia, to come forward voluntarily soon to make the necessary declarations. IRB also reaffirmed its commitment to administering the national taxation system with transparency, integrity and professionalism in line with international taxation standards. Any enquiries or feedback regarding this matter can be directed through the HASiL contact centre on 03-8911 1000 (or +603 8911 1000 from overseas), HASiL Live Chat, or the feedback form on the official website: https://maklumbalaspelanggan.has il.gov.my/Public/. – Bernama 150 countries worldwide. “Malaysia exports palm oil, rubber and energy products to China, while Chinese capital, technology and infrastructure capabilities continue to feature in Malaysia’s development projects,” he said. As the US-China rivalry intensifies, Ismail warned that Malaysia faces growing pressure to balance economic interests with China against security ties and diplomatic engagement with Western powers. He added that strong public sentiment on international conflicts in Malaysia often translates into domestic political pressure, further complicating the government’s efforts to maintain strategic neutrality in an increasingly polarised global environment.

o Growing pressure for nation to balance economic interests with Beijing against security and diplomatic engagement with the West: Expert

PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has identified 14,858 Malaysian tax residents with a combined total of over RM10 billion in undisclosed offshore financial accounts who have not filed tax returns via the income tax return form. In a statement yesterday, IRB said the identification was made through the international exchange of financial account information, with the cooperation of over 100 countries, to strengthen tax compliance and tackle cross-border tax evasion. The board disclosed that these significant offshore accounts are located in several jurisdictions, including Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda. “IRB has issued reminder notices to the relevant tax residents as a voluntary compliance encouragement measure, while also providing an opportunity for them corridors direct consequences for Malaysia, given our reliance on maritime trade and energy imports,” he said. Ismail also said Middle East’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative carries knock-on effects for Malaysia, as disruptions could impact regional supply chains, infrastructure connectivity and investment flows across Southeast Asia. On bilateral relations, he pointed out that despite domestic debate over Malaysia’s engagement with Beijing, China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner, as it is for more than would have

coordinated workstreams covering inspection and rectification, system testing and validation and trial operations. “Inspection and rectification activities across the aerotrain system have been completed, with the programme now at the final milestone to close out remaining rectification actions identified during system-wide inspections,” it added. During the CAP period, MAHB said engineering hours were initially scheduled from 9pm to 7am but were later shortened to 11pm to 7am to accommodate festive and school holiday peak periods. MAHB said it will continue to implement the remaining CAP measures in a coordinated and proportionate manner, supported by ongoing monitoring and independent oversight to further strengthen system reliability and ensure consistent aerotrain operations at KLIA. – Bernama reflects Malaysia’s preference for strategic neutrality, enabling Putrajaya to maintain relations with multiple major powers without formal alignment. From Malaysia’s perspective, stability in the Middle East is critical to national energy security. “Between 70 and 75% of China’s imported oil and gas comes from the Middle East and passes through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea – routes that are equally vital to Malaysia’s trade and energy supply. “Any disruption along these It pointed out that soil settlement is a known and manageable condition in large-scale, complex developments. Recognising this, it maintains a long-term strategy to monitor settlement rates and ground levels. “MAHB continues to track settlement rates and ground levels across the terminal as part of its long term strategy.” Geotechnical assessments indicate that the settlement is expected to progressively stabilise by around 2034, the operator added. MAHB reiterated that planned works will continue to ensure KLIA Terminal 2 remains safe and fully operational for passengers, staff and other airport users. Opened in May 2014, Terminal 2 saw 16 improvement initiatives last year to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency for Visit Malaysia 2026.

testing and validation activities were carried out,” it said. The independent assessment identified two critical systems with a direct influence on train reliability, service availability and recovery performance, namely the power supply system and the rolling stock. For the power supply system, while the overall design and protection systems were found to be adequate and generally operating as intended, areas such as installation quality, power rail condition monitoring and clarity of operational roles were identified for continued focus to strengthen long-term reliability. For the rolling stock, particular attention was placed on the current collector device, which influences traction continuity and service stability due to its close interaction with the power rail. According to MAHB, the CAP has been implemented through According to Ismail, China presents itself as a development partner through narratives such as “win-win cooperation” and “South South solidarity”, an approach that appeals to many developing countries and resonates with Malaysia’s foreign policy outlook. “A key reason this matters to Malaysia is predictability. China avoids linking cooperation to domestic political conditions, unlike Western powers that often attach governance or human rights requirements,” he said. Ismail added that this approach regular inspections and targeted engineering works. “Mitigation works had been carried out in phases, with Phase 1 completed in 2019,” MAHB said. “Phase 2 improvement works are currently ongoing as part of a long term maintenance framework.” There have been weekly joint committee inspection meetings held, involving ground handlers and airlines. The operator underlined that safety remains its top priority, noting that all terminal buildings and critical structures at KLIA Terminal 2 are supported on piled foundations and have been assessed as structurally safe. “Where localised ground movement is detected, standard safety controls are applied, including area restrictions where necessary and prompt rectification before reopening,” MAHB added.

Independent assessment confirms aerotrain system functioning as intended SEPANG: Independent railway

RM10bil in undisclosed offshore accounts held by Malaysians: IRB

Tracking of settlement, ground levels at KLIA T2

A spot at the airport appears to have some depression. MAHB said terminal buildings and critical structures have been assessed to be safe. – COURTESYPIC